ACDF 4 months post op

kolt

I had Cervical fusion with a plate and screws. One level c5-c6. For me 80-90% of the pain was gone as soon as I woke up from surgery. Like I said I did have some lingering pain In my right elbow and forearm for a few months after surgery. I aslo had muscle spasms for a couple months. I don't remember how long the spasams lasted, but they are gone now. It seemed worse if I played on the computer too long so I had to limit it for awhile. The post op pain was more of a tingling/numbness sensation than pain. My arm would get tired real easy for a few months too. It gets better every day, and the doc says it just takes time for the nerves to heal up. I wore an Aspen neck brace for 6 weeks post op and was off work for eight weeks. I hated that collar at first, but after awhile it got easier to cope with. I followed all the doctors orders durning the recovery period and I continue to work on strengthing my neck. I started walking during the first week post op and was up to 1 1/2-2 miles a day within a month or so. Walking really seemed to help not only with feeling stronger, but also to get outside and get some fresh air. Its easy to get depressed sitting on the couch all day. I got real depressed a few days after surgery complete with crying spells, and I haven't cried in years before that. My poor wife must of felt like she had 3 kids instead of 2 for the first month, but that too past. I don't mean to ramble on, but I wanted to share what happened to me, and the things I did to speed up the recovery. For those of you that just had surgery, or are having it soon. Do what your doctor tells you even if it feels like it will kill you. It won't I promiss. Take an active role in your own recovery. Start by walking ( if you doc says its ok ). I started by walking to the end of the street and back. And try to keep a positive attitude. That is easier said than done sometimes but try to keep your mind on the solution and not the problem. Tell yourself that you are strong and healthy even if you don't belive it. The power of prayer and a positive attitude has been documented to help the healing proces, and sometimes you just have to fake it till you make it. Good luck to all. No one deserves to live in pain. Life is just too damn short!!!